IHG® Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with Adyar Gate Hotels to develop InterContinental Kodaikanal Resort. Slated to open in 2028, the resort marks an exciting new addition to IHG’s luxury portfolio in India and aligns with the group’s strategy to expand lifestyle and luxury brands in key leisure destinations across the country. This signing marks the debut of the InterContinental brand in Kodaikanal and the sixth (open and in the pipeline) in the country, following successful ventures in Chennai, Mumbai, Jaipur, Hyderabad, and Delhi.
Perched at 7,200 feet, Kodaikanal is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, pleasant climate, and rich colonial heritage, making it one of South India’s most popular getaway destinations for high-end leisure and corporate clientele. Known as the Princess of Hills, Kodaikanal attracts a growing number of visitors each year from Tamil Nadu and nearby states like Karnataka, Telangana, and Maharashtra. The destination’s allure lies in its scenic beauty and outdoor activities, like trekking and boating, owing to its consistently pleasant weather.
Once opened, InterContinental Kodaikanal Resort will feature 100 guest rooms with cottages and a variety of luxury amenities to cater to both leisure and corporate guests. These include five dining options – all-day dining, speciality restaurant, lobby lounge, pool bar, and InterContinental Club Lounge – ensuring a delightful F&B experience for all guests. For guests looking to unwind and relax, the hotel will feature a pool, fitness centre, and spa. InterContinental Kodaikanal Resort will also feature two meeting spaces including a ballroom, catering to social gatherings and MICE opportunities.
Commenting on the signing, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Adyar Gate Hotels to introduce the InterContinental brand to the enchanting destination of Kodaikanal, which also marks our second InterContinental branded hotel with them. With its unique blend of nature, heritage, and cultural richness, Kodaikanal has become a sought-after destination for discerning travellers seeking luxury and leisure escapes, making it an ideal location for our luxury portfolio expansion in India. We look forward to offering our guests a truly immersive experience in one of South India’s most captivating hill stations.”
He added, “With travellers seeking quality accommodations in serene and picturesque destinations, the InterContinental Kodaikanal Resort will cater to the evolving preferences of our guests and is poised to set new benchmarks in the city for luxury and elevated hospitality experiences.”
Manish Goyal, Managing Director, Adyar Gate Hotels, added, “We are pleased to collaborate again with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring the InterContinental brand to Kodaikanal. Known as the world’s first and largest luxury hotel brand, InterContinental is the perfect fit for Kodaikanal’s growing profile as a premier destination for affluent travellers from Karnataka, Telangana, Mumbai, Chennai, and beyond. With the resort’s prime location, exceptional amenities, and IHG’s global standards, we are confident that InterContinental Kodaikanal Resort will redefine luxury hospitality in the region and become a preferred choice for travellers seeking a unique blend of elegance and breathtaking beauty.”
IHG® currently has 46 operating hotels across five brands in India, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts®, Crowne Plaza®, Holiday Inn Resort® and Holiday Inn Express®, and a strong pipeline of 58 hotels due to open in the next 3-5 years.
